Norway king’s funeral opens uncertain chapter for monarchy

Norway buried King Harald V on Wednesday in a funeral at Oslo Cathedral attended by Prince William, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Norwegian officials, following a procession watched by thousands lining Oslo's streets. Harald died in late August at 89 after enjoying approval ratings over 90%, exceeding support for the monarchy itself.

His son Haakon now leads the institution with his own approval near 80% and the monarchy's overall support at 72%, up from 60% earlier this year. Queen Mette-Marit fares worse: nearly 38% of Norwegians say she is unsuitable for the role, a judgment sharpened by her past friendship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Also present at the funeral, wearing an ankle bracelet while appealing a four-year sentence for rape and other offenses, was Mette-Marit's son Marius Borg Høiby, who carried Harald's casket. A branding lecturer called his inclusion a deliberate signal of family unity, one that depends on no further scandals arriving to test it.

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